Can Ducks Eat Onions?

Ducks eat a wide range of plant-based and animal-based food. Apart from their commercial diet, they also prefer eating other foods, including vegetables and fruits as salads or in pellet form. But have you ever thought about feeding your ducks onions? Or can ducks eat onions?

No, usually ducks neither prefer eating onions nor people should feed ducks onions as a supplement to their diet. But it is okay if, once in a while, your duck feed on onions; that might not hurt them. But beware, not to feed them in much quantity. Allium cepa L., commonly known as onion, contains toxic chemical compounds such as disulphides and thiosulphates, which can cause allergies in animals and birds. These compounds in onions make it challenging to digest, causing several problems in ducks. Therefore, feeding your ducks onions is not a good idea.

Do Ducks Like Eating Onions?

We have already read that we should not include onions in duck diets due to possible health risks that may be life-threatening for ducks. But the question here is, do ducks like eating onions first?

The answer to this question depends on the individual taste preference of your ducks. Some ducks may not be keen on eating onions, but some might eat them when offered. But, in general, ducks do not prefer consuming onions. So, you can feed them other veggies, but not onions.

Can Ducks Eat Green Onions?

Green Onions are toxic to ducks and other poultry birds even in limited quantities. It causes stomach upset and weakness in ducks. Onions, Garlic, and other vegetables belonging to the Allium family cause poisoning in ducks as it contains thiosulphate.

Nutrient Content In Onions

Onion is a nutrient-rich vegetable consumed worldwide due to its taste and the high amount of nutrients it offers. It has a high content of antioxidants that help prevent many diseases. Intake of onions keeps the body hydrated, regulates the blood sugar level, improves bone health, and reduces cancer risk. Let’s see what nutrients this vegetable offers:-

1) Fibre– Onions are a good source of soluble fibers called fructans (gut-friendly bacteria). 

2) Vitamins– Vitamin C, Folate, and vitamin B6 are in decent amounts in onion, making it a healthier choice to add to any food item.

3) Minerals– Onions contain manganese, potassium, etc. Potassium helps maintain normal fluids inside cells and reduces high blood pressure.

All these vitamins, minerals, water content, and antioxidants in onion make it the most preferred vegetable to stay healthy. But should we only see the benefits this vegetable has to offer? Shall we not read about the disadvantages and potential risks of feeding onions to ducks to understand better why we should not feed onions to our ducks? Let’s read about this as well.

Also like this: Ducks Eat French Fries

Why Are Onions Bad For Ducks?

Although the vegetable offers dense nutrient content, it is still toxic to ducks. Onions contain sulphide and thiosulfate that cannot be digested by many animals and birds, including ducks. When consumed too much, it causes problems like difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and lachrymation. Along with this, a toxin present in onions can interfere with the red blood cells of ducks and can become anemic. The symptoms of anemia include excessive fatigue, birds becoming lethargic, etc. Ducklings are significantly more prone to get harmed in case they consume onions as they have weak digestive systems than the older ones.

Symptoms of overconsumption of onions in ducks

1- Diarrhoea

2- Upset stomach

3- Lethargy

4- Seizures

5- Weakness

6- Collapsing

7- Breathlessness

8- And organ failure in severe cases

Can Ducks Die From Eating Onions?

No, eating onions won’t kill a duck. But excessive consumption of onions would surely lead ducks to deathbeds. Continuous bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to dehydration and death. Furthermore, in the long run, excessive onion consumption could lead to the deposition of thiosulfate, and ducks could develop anemia that also results in death one day but not immediately after consuming it. So, ensure that your duck’s feed is onion free.

Conclusion

The vegetables from the Allium genus, be it onions, garlic, or spring onions, are all harmful to ducks. Although onions contain many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, onions should not be included in your duck’s diet, even in small amounts, whether cooked or raw.

Safe and toxin-free fruits and vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc., could be served to your ducks in addition to the commercial feed of ducks.